It’s not a parade without bagpipes

Scottish culture has had a deep influence in New Zealand.

Communities from Southland to Waipu celebrate their history with Highland Games, and Scottish culture has influenced our clothing, cuisine and language. This was as far as the Scottish diaspora could ever reach, yet many came this far, and still do.

This Scottish influence hasn’t extended to our beer styles. Our traditional draughts are a local interpretation if the English Mild. US styles have had strong representation from craft brewers, but there’s only been a handful of Scottish-influenced beers produced here. Perhaps it’s a Presbyterian thing…

Many beer proselytes advocate Stonecutter as a beer for red wine fans. It’s certainly in similar territory, and is an excellent match to roast venison. To me it’s an acquired taste and one that appeals more to beer drinkers than wine drinkers. More for me then.

The Usurper

Invercargill BreweryMen’n Skurrts (7%) is back in its 2015 edition and is available now. Opaque mahogany brown with dense, cream head. Smoky aroma and smoky phenolic flavour.

If Stonecutter parallels red wine, Men’n Skurrts parallels Scotch whisky. No surprise there – that’s the brewer’s intention, and the result of using peat-smoked malt. Sip this one after your venison roast, while sitting by the fire and enjoying your pipe.

Review beer supplied by Invercargill Brewery – cheers!

The Old’uns

ParrotDog’sSleuthHound (6.6%) and Yeastie Boy’sHud-a-Wa’ Strong (6.8%) are two other Kiwi takes on Scottish-style ales. Both were limited releases last year and are hard to find, but they are available now through Regional Wines & Spirits and well worth grabbing. They’ll be a year old but nay the worse for that. I’ve a couple in my cellar (with a 2015 Men’n Skurrts to keep them company) to be opened next winter.